A PRIMARY school pupil has been admitted to hospital with a suspected case of meningitis.

The youngster, from Middleton St George Primary School, near Darlington, is being treated for possible meningococcal septicaemia.

People in close, prolonged contact with the child are also being treated with antibiotics.

No details have been released about the youngster, but letters were given to all 247 children at the school on Tuesday, advising their parents about the matter.

The letters state that pupils, staff and parents are at an extremely low risk of contracting the infection from the child through social contact.

The case was initially reported by the hospital, where the child is being treated, to the County Durham and Tees Valley Health Protection Agency, and dealt with by the local Health Protection Unit.

"A suspected case of the disease is treated as if it definitely is meningococcal septicaemia until proven otherwise," said an agency spokeswoman.

"Children at the same school, even in the same class, are not at a sufficient risk to merit a course of antibiotics."

She said the school would be kept informed about the condition of the child.

* The Meningitis Trust helpline can be contacted on (01454) 413344.